Azusa : Quarry Action Delayed

The City Council, which on Monday considered giving formal approval to a compromise allowing the Azusa Rock Co. to continue mining Fish Canyon, has delayed action until Dec. 19 to allow those concerned about the agreement to state their objections.

In November, the council approved a list of 13 conditions to be added to the quarry’s 32-year-old mining permit in an effort to reduce noise and dust pollution for residents of Azusa and nearby Duarte. The proposals would limit the time and location of digging, redirect gravel-truck traffic, restrict blasting and give the city more control over quarry operations.

The agreement, negotiated by Azusa, Duarte and the quarry, was sent to City Atty. Peter M. Thorson, who in conjunction with the attorneys representing Duarte and Azusa Rock drafted the ordinance’s exact language. Attorneys representing Duarte and Azusa Rock are seeking changes in the resolution.

Members of an Azusa citizens group, Committee to Save the Foothills, and other residents lined up to protest the compromise, but the council voted unanimously to curtail discussion. In delaying the vote, the council requested that those opposing the final form of the conditions submit written comments.